John is a Shareholder with LGWM, heads LGWM's Workers Compensation Practice Group, co-chairs LGWM's Insurance Fraud/SUI Practice Group and is a member of LGWM' Executive Committee. John practice focuses on workers compensation defense, as well as ancillary claims of retaliatory discharge, outrage, bad faith and other tort claims that may arise out of claims for workers compensation benefits.

John also has vast experience defending federal black lung (pneumoconiosis) litigation and handling claims involving coal mining operations. He has tried over 100 black lung cases before federal Administrative Law Judges in Alabama, West Virginia, Louisiana and Florida.

The United States District Court for the Northern, Middle and Southern Districts of Alabama

The United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit

Education

University of Alabama School of Law, J.D. (1995) - Member, ATLA National Trial Team – national tournament champions- Recipient, George Peach Taylor Award recognizing outstanding trial team performance

University of Alabama, B.S., cum laude (1990)

CASES OF NOTE

Obtained a defense verdict on behalf of global coal company in the Bessemer Division of Jefferson County in a workers’ compensation hearing loss case. Successfully argued the Plaintiff’s alleged hearing loss was not related to his employment.

Successfully tried a workers’ compensation case in Montgomery County, Alabama that involved a claim of successive injuries by Plaintiff. Trial judge assigned a 0% impairment rating regarding Plaintiff’s first alleged injury and entered a defense verdict on Plaintiff’s second alleged injury.

Obtained dismissal of a workers’ compensation case on behalf of a large automobile dealership that involved a complex dispute regarding compensability of the plaintiff’s claim.

Obtained a summary judgment on behalf of a third-party administrator in an outrage case alleging a claim adjuster’s mishandling of a worker’s compensation claim.

Obtained a defense verdict in Jefferson County on behalf of a construction company in a workers’ compensation case in which the defendant employee suspected the plaintiff was impaired from illegal drugs, but no post-accident drug test was obtained.

Obtained a defense verdict for a Blount County restaurant in a workers’ compensation case involving issues of whether the plaintiff’s accident occurred in the course and scope of her employment. Plaintiff had completed her work duties, clocked out and waited on porch of restaurant with co-workers before she tripped on a cross-tie in the parking lot while walking to her car.

Successfully argued at a compensability trial in Calhoun County that plaintiff’s carpal tunnel syndrome was not related to her employment with a chicken plant. Presented overwhelming evidence that plaintiff’s hand condition was related to other, non-employment factors.

Successfully defended an automobile supplier in a case brought by over 50 plaintiffs claiming chemical exposure in the work place.

Obtained a summary judgment in favor of a coal mine in a case where plaintiffs alleged the mine’s operation created a nuisance and trespass.

Successfully represented an employer in a claim for death benefits where there were issues as to whether the employee’s death was a result of his work-related injuries.

Successfully represented a restaurant chain regarding whether an employee’s injuries arose out of and in the course of the employee’s employment.